Information literacy: a desideratum of the 21st century

Abstract

Purpose The research surveyed the competency of information literacy of senior high school students in Fiji. This is to evaluate the strong predictors of information literacy. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a survey research design whereby a five-point Likert scale self-reporting questionnaire was administered to Year 12 and Year 13 secondary school students. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software-descriptive statistics of calculating the mean and standard deviation, a correlation and linear regression analysis to deduce the strong predictors of information literacy. Findings The study showed that 81% of the students surveyed were average to above average information literate. The strong predictors of information literacy were the ability of an individual to collaborate and share safely online, the ability to share files securely and the ability to access the credibility of any resource assessed on the digital platform. Research limitations/implications The current study evaluates information literacy of a cohort – stating how information literate the participants are, comprehending the strong predicators of information literacy so that there is an appropriate and effective implementation of interventions for the desired improvements. Practical implications The results can be used to improve information literacy of students at all levels of education in the Fiji Islands. Social implications If the youths are information literate they will be able to effectively contribute towards the development of their economy. Since the work environment today is technology oriented and involves a lot of information, being information literate means knowing how to use the information and differentiate between good and bad information. Hence, contributing effectively towards whatever task is performed. Originality/value This research if the first ever research done on evaluating the information literacy of individuals in Fiji.

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“…To conclude, there is a need to enhance individuals' advanced use of technology for learning and problem-solving, so as to facilitate their future success in career and life (Reddy et al ., 2022b). This can be done through appropriate digital literacy education.…”

21st Century Skills and Information Literacy in Indonesian Language and Literature Education Study Program

“…Other research results also show a low level of Information literacy skills among students. Information literacy is crucial in accessing, evaluating, and utilising information effectively and efficiently (Kaya & Elster, 2019;Reddy et al, 2022;Sample, 2020;Wu et al, 2022). In this digital era, where information can be easily accessed from various sources, the ability to information literacy is essential (Breivik, 2005b;Kaya & Elster, 2019;Lau, 2008;Reddy et al, 2022).…”

Effect of information literacy on lifelong learning, creativity, and work performance among journalists

“…Furthermore, IL enables people to undertake information-related tasks, make the best information use, interpret judiciously, and adopt appropriate information behavior in making informed, wise, and ethical decisions (Chapman and Oermann, 2020;Inayatillah, 2018;Suorsa et al, 2021). Such skills are a desideratum of the 21st century (Reddy et al, 2022 and are essential for various professional domains Information literacy on lifelong learning…”

“…Furthermore, IL enables people to undertake information-related tasks, make the best information use, interpret judiciously, and adopt appropriate information behavior in making informed, wise, and ethical decisions (Chapman and Oermann, 2020; Inayatillah, 2018; Suorsa et al ., 2021). Such skills are a desideratum of the 21st century (Reddy et al ., 2022, 2023) and are essential for various professional domains in the workplace for solving problems, having a sustainable competitive advantage, making effective decision-making, and organizational (Ahmad et al ., 2020; Karim and Hussein, 2008; Klusek and Bornstein, 2006; Naveed, 2022; Naveed and Kamran, 2022). Some studies recognized the IL capabilities as vital for lifelong learning and creativity aptitudes as it lays the foundation for continuous learning and encourages critical thinking (Wu, 2019; Singh, 2008; Andretta, 2007).…”